2009-09-20 WGP Staff Undertake Marine Mammal Medic Course
Whilst taking pride in achieving and maintaining Environmental Management standards to meet ISO14000 requirements, WGP constantly looks to further its commitment to remaining an environmentally conscientious organisation. Having played an active part in the recent Cornish seal survey, WGP was asked if the company would like to become part of the support network on standby to help save stranded and injured marine animal life. Working in the marine environment and with its offices on the North Cornish coast it made good sense to increase the relevant skill set of members of staff to enable greater assistance to be provided when required. Hence three WGP staff spent a sunny Sunday becoming Marine Mammal Medics with the BDMLR.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) is a registered charity dedicated to the rescue of marine wildlife and is operated entirely by volunteers. On call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year their ranks consist of trained divers, boat handlers and marine mammal medics. The training course was designed to give the trainee medics an in-depth knowledge of the rescue procedures that should be brought into play when attempting to rescue a cetacean (marine mammal) or seal. The course enables participants to:
- Assist in the rescue of marine mammals
- Take charge of a group of volunteers and direct this group in basic first aid procedures
- Assist in the refloat of a whale or dolphin using the inflatable pontoon system
The training day was split into two halves; the morning in the classroom listening and watching detailed presentations from members of BDMLR and other expert volunteers and the afternoon in the sea using freshly taught techniques to re-float a two ton, water-filled, life-sized pilot whale. Congratulations to Andy Crouch, May Botham and Fiona Macauley for attending and passing the Mammal Medic Course; it is hoped that should the need arise, the WGP volunteers shall be able to make a positive contribution to the rescue and preservation of marine mammals on the North Cornish Coast.
 |
 |
 |